Opel Unveils Hardcore Astra OPC Extreme Ahead Of Geneva Debut

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Opel has introduced the hardcore Astra OPC Extreme ahead of its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The OPC Extreme is the fastest Astra ever built by Opel/Vauxhall, giving a whole new meaning to the term “hot hatchback”.

The OPC Extreme went through an intense weight loss regimen to help shed 220 pounds over the standard Astra OPC, adding a carbon fiber front spoiler, rear wing, hood, suspension cross-braces, engine cover and roof. Additionally, the wheels themselves are made of carbon fiber and, according to Opel, are 44 pounds lighter than their aluminium counterparts.

Under the hood sits the most powerful four-cylinder engine Opel has ever produced. The 2.0-liter turbocharged unit utilizes direct injection and variable valve timing to produce more than 300 horsepower in the OPC Extreme. The engine is paired with a slick, six-speed manual transmission, sending power to the front wheels through a limited-slip differential.

Thanks to a set of six-piston Brembo brakes and monstrous 14.5-inch discs in the front, the OPC Extreme has the braking power to match its acceleration. The carbon wheels measure 19-inches in diameter and are wrapped in specially-developed Hankook tires measuring 245/35 at all four corners.

The uncompromised pursuit for performance continues in the OPC Extreme’s cabin. Instead of a back seat, the OPC Extreme features a roll bar; its front seats have been replaced with Recaro buckets complete with six-point safety belts, while the steering wheel has been wrapped in suede, reinforced with carbon fiber and sewn together with contrasting yellow stitching.

Opel says it is planning a low-volume, limited production run of the Astra OPC Extreme as long as the public’s reaction is as positive as expected. More information on the OPC Extreme will be available after its rapidly-approaching debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Surely a Chevrolet Cruze RS would look similar to a Cruze SRi-V from Holden?. I prefer OPC over the SRi-V but I’m sure Holden could design something better than OPC without the restrictions the Cruze has (maintain the global car design etc.).